If you're looking for a vigorous, deep tissue massage with all the energetic benefits of acupressure, the traditional Chinese massage method known as tui na may be for you. A tui na practitioner uses his whole body and a large array of muscle and pressure point manipulation techniques to give you a whole-body massage and energy treatment. Before trying tui na, consult your doctor if you have any medical condition that might make deep tissue massage inappropriate for you.
Pressing
A tui na practitioner uses pressing to release deep-seated tensions. Depending on the size of the area and the degree of tension, the practitioner presses with a thumb, fingers, palm or elbow, leaning into your body with all of his weight to deepen the effect. Pressing is "the oldest and simplest Tuina technique," notes Alon Marcus, doctor of Oriental medicine, in his book "Foundations for Integrative Musculoskeletal Medicine."
Chafing or Rubbing
Tui na practitioners use chafing---sometimes called rubbing---to produce heat through friction. Using the fingertips or the palm, the practitioner applies a circular rubbing motion on the skin surface. This method disperses congested chi or blood, according to Marnae and Kevin Ergil, professors at the Finger Lakes School of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in Seneca Falls, New York and authors of the "Pocket Atlas of Chinese Medicine." Applied to the center of the chest level with the nipples, rubbing can reduce anxiety.
Kneading or Rolling
Kneading---also called rolling---works the muscles as if they are a ball of dough. With his fingers or palms, the practitioner applies a light and constant pressure to softly manipulate muscles, according to Ergil and Ergil. Kneading allows muscles to release tension, while warming them and allowing abundant circulation to return.
Percussion
In percussion, the tui na practitioner penetrates through the surface tissue with rapid strikes of the hands in order to stimulate the internal organs. Percussion applied in strategic areas of the back and rib cage will stimulate the pancreas and liver, according to Bradley Kuhns, doctor of Oriental medicine and author of "Essentials of Homeopathy."
Shaking
Shaking is one of the unique features of tui na massage. The practitioner lifts and holds one or more of your limbs, then shakes it in a steady side to side or up and down motion, creating a wave that moves through your entire body. Shaking stimulates the flow of blood to the joint and improves the circulation of qi, according to Maria Mercati, founder and director of the Bodyharmonics Center in Cheltenham, U.K., and author of "The Handbook of Chinese Massage."
Joint Manipulation
Joint manipulation is probably the technique that earned tui na masseurs their reputation as the physiotherapists of traditional Chinese medicine. The practioner supports a limb while moving it through its complete range of motion and stretching out the joint. In a typical session, joint manipulation should follow soft tissue massage, according to Mercati.
Point Manipulation
While performing the other tui na techniques, the practitioner may take the opportunity to manipulate individual pressure points by applying a fingertip or thumb to them. You'll know a practitioner is working on a pressure point when he lingers on a particularly tender spot. By applying pressure in small circular motions or simply pressing the spot firmly, the practitioner releases surface tension and encourages the flow of qi throughout the body.
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